Young Vova Wilson had something to smile about after his painting of his pet cat, Jessica, won a competition.

Vova, a year 8 pupil at Bishop Barrington School With Mathematics College in Bishop Auckland, was delighted to win the local heat of the children's art competition, held as part of Pet Smile Month, by Kensington Veterinary Surgery of Cockton Hill Road.

Kelly Weldon, veterinary nurse at the surgery, organisers of the local heat, presented Vova with his prize, a book on how to draw pets.

"I was really pleased when I found out I had won," said Vova, aged 12, who was born in Russia. "I enjoy art; it is one of my hobbies."

He is proud of his pedigree cat, Jessica. "She is very beautiful, with a cream silky coat, with dark chocolate face and ears, and white paws."

His painting was forwarded to the final of the Pet Smile art competition, an annual event, founded by Robert Partridge of OakBeck Veterinary Hospital in Harrogate.